System for the protection of vessels against attack of torpedoes



7 P. P. SMITH March 5, 1 946.

SYSTEM FOR THE PROTECTION OF VESSELS AGAINST ATTACK OF TORPEDOES FiledMarch 16, 1942 15%, BY v din 45 @146,

P. P. SMITH 2,395,944

SYSTEM FOR THE PROTECTION OF VESSELS AGAINST ATTACK OF TORPEDOES March5, 1946.

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SYSTEM FOR THE PROTECTION OF VESSELS AGAINST ATTACK OF TORPEDOES FiledMarch 16, 1942 IS'SheetS-Sheet 5 INVETOR. 54x00 5 Patented Mar. 5, 1946SYSTEM FOR'THEPROTECTION OF VESSELS AGAINST ATTACKOF TORPED'OES 7? PeterP. Smith, Teancck, N.- J.

Application March 16, 1942,Serial No 434,938

1 I5Claims. (CL 114 -240) My invention relates broadly to systemsfor theprotection of vessels from torpedo-attack, and more particularly to asystem for aerating the areas adjacent the hull of a vessel to deflectthe course of a projectile torpedo to the extent that v the torpedopasses beneath the vessel, or reduces the explosive impact establishedadjacent the hull of the vessel.

One of the objects of my invention is toprovide a. system for theprotection of vessels which may be readily utilized in submarineinfested waters iorprotection of the vessel against tor- D do attack.

i Another object of my invention is to provide an arrangementrof tubularmembers extending a in spacialrelation to the port and starboard of thevessel for discharging-compressed air int-o areas" of the water on eachside of'the Vessel having the eilectof aerating-zones'adjacent thevessel within which areas. an approaching-torpedo maybe deflected fromits-course to avoid striking the objective.

Still anotherobject of my invention is to provide a construction of shipprotective means which may be lowered on the port and starboard sides ofthe vessel in dangerous waters for aerating Zones on each side of thevessel to so aerate the water that the course'of a torpedo isdeile'ctedaway from the hull.

A'l'urtherobject'of my invention is to provide 'apractical system ofprotection for ships in submarine infested waters'whereby protectivemeans may be lowered into position on the portend starboard sides of thevessel whenrequired for decreasing the density of the water on "oppositesides of the vessel for deflecting the course of torpedoes aimed at thehull.

Astill further object of my invention is to provide a construction offloatable protective means forthe port and starboard sides of a vessel Jin which compressed air delivered-from the vessel may be distributedthrough the protective means and spread at fan-like zones having theeffect of specially positioning the protective means in selectedpositions on the port and starboard'sldcs ofthe vessel while aeratingthe zones on each a side of the vessel for'deflecting torpedoes aimedatthe hull.

it Another object of my invention is to provide a construction oftubular members arran ed to extend in spacial relation to the portandstarboard sides of the vessel where the tubular members areperforated in selected areas for distributing compressed air suppliedfrom the vesselrinto zones on each side of the vessel for aerating thezones,

with means associated with the tubularmembers I for stabilizing the pathof movement'thereof,

controlling the spacial relation from the sides of the vesselanddetermining the depth at which thetubular members arepositionediwithrespect v to the hull.

Other and further objects ofimy invention reside in the construction oftubular members and cable systemior the control-thereof withrespect tothe hull of a vessel as set forth morelfully' in the specificationhereinafter:following byreferringto the accompanying drawings-in which:

Figure l is a plan view showing the protective system of my'invention;Fig; 2 is aside elevational view illustrating the protective system ofmy invention; Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view through a vesselshowingthe protective system of my invention applied thereto; :Fig. 4 isa v transversesectional -view through one of thembular-membersshowing-themanner of delivering compressed air thereto from the-vesseltor -distributioninto the sea-adjacent the vessel; Fig. 5

is a transversesectional viewthrough one of the tubular membersillustrating thearrangement of the depthdetermining fins appliedto-opposite sides of the tubular members and showing the arrangement ofthe vertical stabilizer;.Fig. 6 is a detailed view. of one of theadjustable tiller vanes Gil employed on the tubular members; Fig. 7illus- J trates a modified form ofsmy invention in which the tubularmember issa-pplied to theprotection of a vital area. of th shipand maynot1neces sarily extendthe entire length of theivesseltas illustratedinFigs. Land 2; Fig. 8 is an explanatory .view showingthe operation of thesystem of aeration for deflecting the course of the torpedo projectileas it approaches the objective; andFig. 9 is an enlarged transversesectional view taken through oneof the tubular members and showing thedistribution of theperforations or orifices therein forfefiectivelydistributing compressed air delivered from-the vesselfor "determiningthe depth at whichthe tubular memberiunctions with respect tothe hull ofthe vessel the spacial relation of the tubular member with respectto thesideof the vessel and the. extent of the aerated. zone .which is createdin-the seaadjacent each-side of rthe vessel for protection againsttorpedo attack.

. My invention is directed to setting, up at'a pre determined distancefrom the vessel, an aerated section in consequence ofwhich in the eventthat the torpedo detonates through contactwiththe i hull, theforce ofthe-explosion is cushioneddue to this extended aerated section, as itpermits of the force of the explosion being expended in a large measurethrough this less dense medium, whereas heretofore it was expendedthrough the less dense section or hull of the boat. The establishment ofthe aerated zones adjacent opposite sides of the hull of the vessel hasthe effect of reducing the velocity of the torpedo because there is lessbite for the propeller screw of the torpedo on the aerated sea. Thisreduction in velocity reduces the impact at which the torpedo, if notwholly deflected, may strike the objective. The torpedo accordingly maynot detonate. Moreover, by reducing the velocity of the torpedo becauseof the aerated zone established on each side of the vessel, thepenetration of a torpedo which may under some circumstances bedefective, may be reduced to a suflicient extent to prevent seriousdamage or to permit quick repairs to be made. Moreover, because thespeed of the torpedo is reduced from the time of entrance to the time ofexit through the aerated section during which time the vessel continuesat its normal rate of speed, in the event that deflection might not becomplete, yet this relative change of velocity would permit of thetorpedo passing beyond the stern of the vessel rather than coming incontact with the vessel. The aerated zone has the efiect of deflectingthe torpedo from its course because of the reduced density of thesupporting medium and the tendency of the torpedo to drop by gravityaction to such an extent that the torpedo passes harmlessly beneath thehull.

Referring to the drawings in detail, reference character I indicatesgenerally the hull of a vessel to be protected against submarine attack.The vessel includes the installation of an air compressor systemrepresented at 2 containing an equalization tank 3 from which compressedair distributing lines 4, 5, 6 and 1 extend. These compressed airdistributing lines extend adjacent opposite sides of the hull and havecoupled therewith the flexible extension pipe lines indicated at 4, 5',6' and 1. The flexible extensions connect with outlets arranged withinthe tubular members 8 and 9, which in the form of my inventionillustrated in Figs. 1-6, may extend substantially the entire length ofthe vessel. However as shown in Fig. 7, these tubular members may beforeshortened and serve as protector means for the vital part of thevessel such as the amidship section as represented in Fig. 7. That is tosay, in'the arrangement illustrated in Fig. '7 a shortened tubularmember 8' is positioned adjacent one side of the vessel at that sectionof the vessel which is vulnerable to submarine attack in a positionwhere the hull may not be protected by compartments, or in a positionwhere serious damage might be caused to the propulsion machinery.Compressed air is supplied to the shortened tubular member 8' through adual supply line extending from distributing pipe I 0 to which isconnected the twin flexible pressure distribution hose or conduitindicated at 'l l. The purpose of the twin pressure distribution hose isto supply compressed air at spaced intervals along the tubular member 8at I2 and I2 so that in the event of fouling of one distribution line, asupply of compressed air is assured through the other distribution line.A similar arrangement of depth control cables and power drag line cablesfor towing the tubular members adjacent the port or starboard sides ofthe vessel are provided in the arrangment illustrated in Fig. 7 as inthe arrangement illustrated'in Figs. 1-6. That is, the vessel isprovided with control winches spaced at intervals along the vessel insuitable positions below deck as represented for example at l4, I5, [6,l1, l8, I9, 29, 2|, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 21. These control winches maybe power driven and each serve to coil the cable which extends betweenthe vessel and the tubular members 8 and 9. Cables 28 29 and 38 and 3|,32 and 33 serve as power drag lines for towing the tubular members 9 and8 with respect to the vessel l. The effective lengths of the cables 28,29 and 30 are controlled by winches l4, l1 and 29 respectively. Theefiective lengths of the cables 3|, 32 and 33 are controlled by thewinches 2|, 24 and 21, respectively. The depth control cables forcontrolling the depth at which the tubular members 9 and 8 operate belowthe hull of the vessel are represented at 34, 35, 36 and 31. These depthcontrol cables 34 and 35 extend from winches l5 and I8 and connect totubular member 9; the depth control cables 36 and 31 extend from winches23 and 26 and connect to tubular member 8. By adjusting the winches l5and I8 and 36 and 31, the depth at which the tubular members operatebelow the hull may be controlled. The special relation of the tubularmembers 9 and 8 with respect to the opposite sides of the hull iscontrolled by distance determining cables 38 and 39 extending fromwinches l6 and I9 respectively, to tubular member 9, and by distancedetermining cables 49 and 4| extending from winches 22 and 25 to tubularmember 8. The winches l6, I9, 22 and 25 when adjusted, enable thetubular members 9 and 8 to be spread at substantial distances from thehull of the vessel or brought to a closer position with respect to thehull. To insure proper maneuvering of the tubular member, I provide setsof fins and vanes located in various positions along the length of thetubular members. Each tubular member is streamlined as representedgenerally at 42 and 43 to cut down head resistance as much as possible.The tubular members are stabilized and prevented from rotating in thesea by means of sets of stabilizer vanes shown at 44, 45 and 46 ontubular member 9, and at 41, 48 and 49 on tubular member 8. V

In order to operate the tubular members at a selected depth below thehull of the vessel, sets of depth determining fins are provided atspaced intervals along the tubular members. I have indicated the depthdetermining fins at 59 and 5t on tubular member 9; and at 52 and 53 ontubular member 8. These sets of depth'determining fins are adjustable asrepresented in Fig. 5 and may be set for any particular level by meansof adjustment and locking screws 52' and 52" to enable the tubularmembers to seek a normal operating level below the hull of the vesselfor a predetermined speed of propulsion through the water.

The spacial relation of the tubular members with respect to the sides ofthe hull of the vessel is controlled by the sets of tiller vanes-54 and55 carried by the tubular members 9 ands, respectively. As representedin Fig. 6, the tiller vanes are each adjustable in angular position bymeans of the nut and lock nut combination illustrated at 55'. Thetubular member 8 may be provided with ratchet teeth formed in thetubular member 8 at 55" to enable the tiller vane to be set in aselected angular position and locked therein against displacementarising from the force of the sea water in the course of travel of thetubular member. The tiller vanes 54 and 55 may be set in a selectedangular position tocontrol the spacial relation of the tubular memberswith reamass 3.

for compressed air tor. a rating. theses. water. y n e positio Of t etub lar member. The

spect to the hull of the vessel fora predetermined propulsion speed orthe vessel.

The hull of the vessel is provided adjacent the bottom thereof withguide member such as eyelets or anti-friction bearing mounted pulleysrepresented at 56 and 51 in Fig. 3. These guide members serve to controlthe path. of movement of the depth control cables 8, 3B and filwhichconnect to the sides of the tubular member 8 adjacent the hull of thevessel; while the guide means 51 serve to guide depth control cables 34and 35 which connect to the side of tubular member 9 adjacent the hullof the vessel. These depth control cables extend upwardl throughsuitable guides around the exterior of the hull of the vesselterminating in the winchesas heretofore explained. In Fig. 3 I haverepresented depth control cables 34 and 31 passing around 51 and 56,respectively, and connected to winches l and 26, respectively. I haveshown the distance determining cables 4| and 38 connected to tubularmembers 8 and 9, respectively and extending to the winches aboard thevessel as heretofore explained.

In order to insure the proper distribution of compressed air from theair compressor system aboard the vessel to the tubular members throughthe fiexible pipe lines 4', 5', 6' and 1, I form the tubular members inthe shape of streamlined drums which are partially buoyant due to thesustained compressed air supply continuously furnished from the vessel.The tubular members have orifices arranged in a portion of its uppersurface. I have represented the distribution of these orifices moreclearly in Fig. 9. On the side of the tubular member 9 adjacent the hullof the vessel, the orifices extend below the transverse axis of thetubular member 9, whereas on the side of the tubular member remote fromthe hull, the orifices terminate above the transs verse axis of thetubular member. That is to say, the orifices are confined above thediametric line indicated at 58 in Fig. 9. The orifices are distributedin a very special manner to insure the proper discharge of thecompressed air. That is to say, in the zone between limits 60 and BI theorifices are drilled parallel to the horizontal axis so that air isforced from the tubular member in the direction of the hull of thevessel,

thereby tending to maneuver or force the tubular member away from thehull of the vessel to proper spacial relation. The horizontally drilledorifices are represented at 62, 62, 62" and 62". In the succeedingsection between the 15 line and the 60 line that is between limits BIand 63 the orifices are radially disposed as represented at 64, 64, 64",64", 64 and 64 constituting a dispersion section for spreading thecompressed air in a fan-like sweep for aerating the sea water betweenthe tubular member and the hull of the vessel. In the upper portion orthe tubular member between the limits 63 and 65, orifices are drilledparallel to the vertical axis of the tubular member as represented at66, 66, 66", 66, 66, 66 and 66. These orifices permit the discharge ofair upwardly for aerating the sea above the tubular member and alsoexerting a depressing force which assists in the submergence of thetubular member to the desired navigating depth below the hull of thevessel. I have indicated the portion of the tubular member extendingbetween the limits between 63 and 65 as the depressing section. Thesection of the tubular member 9 which extends between limits 65 and 61constitutes a'dispersion section orifices in this section are indicatedat. 68. B8", 68", 68", 68", v68, as, extending radially for dischargingcompressed air ina tan..-like stream outwardly from the tubular member 9throughout the area extendingfrom the 15 line to the line, shown in Fig.9.

In order to insure the effective discharge of the compressed airsupplied from the pipe lines which extend from the vessel, I provideshaped discharge nozzles 89 connectedto the pressure supply pipes fordirecting the compressed air upwardly within the tubular member ll.

As heretofore pointed out in the arrangement shown in Fig. 7, tow cablesrepresented at '10 and 1| may extend between the vessel and a. tubularmember of shortened length for protecting the vital portions of theship. The distance detera .mining cables 12 and 13 are arranged in asimilar manner as heretofore explained and. the depth control cables 14and 15 are arranged in a man ner similar to the disposition of thedepth-control cables 34, 35, II and 36, heretofore described.

The tubular members are initially lowered into position by suitablederrick arrangements carried by the sides of the ship permitting thetubular members to be hoisted and stowed when the ship is not indangerous waters. For this purpose the tubular members may beconstructed in sections which may be readily assembled when necessaryfor use.

In Fig. 8 I have illustrated the theory involved in the system of myinvention in which the sea is aerated in the area designated at 15 and15. This aerated zone extends toward the vessel, from the orifices inthe tubular member and in an upward direction and also outwardly remotefrom the vessel, establishing a continuous area of rarelied density. Thetorpedo, represented at l1, aimed at the objective encounters, the area15 of the less dense medium and its propeller fai1- ing to get its usualfull grip on solid water due to the aerating, now drops and passes underthe hull. The position of the tubular members be accurately controlledby extension or retraction of the depth control and distance determiningcables as heretofore explained.

I have described my invention in certain preferred embodiments but Irealize that modifications may be made and I intend no limitations uponmy invention other than may be imposed by the scope of the appendedclaims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the UnitedStates is fol.- lows:

1. Apparatus for protecting vessels from torpedo attacks, comprising incombination with the hull of a vessel a pair of fioatable tubularmembers extending longitudinally of the vessel in spaced relation to theport. and starboard there of, means for generating compressed 'air onthe vessel, means for delivering the compressed air to each of saidtubular members, said tubular members being perforated on the uppersides thereof for spreading air under pressur in fanlike zones, andmeans for maneuvering said tubular members in spacial relation to thehull of the vessel.

2. Apparatus for protecting vessels from torpedo attack, comprising incombination with the hull of the vessel, tubular membersextendin inspaced relation to the port and starboard of the vessel and perforatedin selected portions thereof, a compressor on said vessel, means fordelivering compressed 'medium from said compressor to said tubularmembers, and means carried by each of said tubular members formaneuvering said tubular members in spacial relation to the port andstarboard sides of the hull.

3. Apparatus for protecting vessels from torpedo attack, comprising incombination with the hull of the vessel, tubular members extending inspaced relation to the port and starboard of the vessel and perforatedin selected portions thereof, a compressor on said vessel, means fordelivering compressed medium from said compressor to said tubularmembers, vertical stabilizer vanes connected with each of said tubularmembers for guiding said tubular members in paths spaced from oppositesides of the hull, and tiller vanes carried by each of said tubularmembers for continuously heading said tubular members in pacial relationto the hull of the vessel.

4. Apparatus for protecting Vessels from torpedo attack, comprising incombination with the hull of the vessel, tubular members extending inspaced relation to the port and starboard of the vessel and perforatedin selected portions thereof, a compressor on said vessel, means fordelivering compressed medium from said compressor to said tubularmembers, vertically extendin stabilizer vanes connected with each ofsaid tubular members, depth determining fins carried by said tubularmembers for guiding said tubular members in positions below the hull,tiller vanes car ried by said tubular members for continuously headingsaid tubular members away from the vessel, and means interconnectingsaid tubular members with the hull for limiting the spacial relation ofthe tubular members with respect to the hull.

5. Apparatus for protecting vessels from torpedo attack, comprising incombination with the hull of the vessel, tubular members extending inspaced relation to the port and starboard of the vessel and perforatedin selected portions thereof, a compressor on said vessel, means fordelivering compressed medium from said compressor to said tubularmembers, vertically extending stabilizer vanes carried by said tubularmembers, tiller vanes carried by said tubular members and extending atan acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the tubular members, andcables interconnecting said tubular 'members with the hull of thevessel.

6. Apparatus for protecting vessels from torpedo attack, comprising incombination with the hull of the vessel, tubular members extending inspaced relation to the port and starboard of the vessel and perforatedin selected portions thereof, a compressor on said vessel, means fordelivering compressed medium from said compressor to said tubularmembers, the perforated tubular members operating to direct thedischarge of air toward said vessel, upwardly with respect to the vesseland outwardly with respect to the vessel, and means for maintaining thespacial relation of said tubular members and the hull both with respectto the depth and distance thereof from the hull of the vessel.

7. Apparatus for protecting Vessels from torpedo attack, comprising incombination with the hull of the vessel, tubular members extending inspaced relation to the port and starboard of the vessel and perforatedin selected portions thereof, a compressor on said vessel, means fordelivering compressed medium from said compressor to said tubularmembers, the. perforated portion of each of said tubular membersextending below the center on the side of said tubular member adjacentsaid vessel and terminating above the center on the side of said tubularmember remote from the vessel, and means for determining the spacialposition of said tubular member with respect to the hull of the vessel.

8. Apparatus for protecting vessels from torpedo attack, comprising incombination with the hull of the vessel, tubular members extending inspaced relation to th port and starboard of the vessel and perforated inselected portions thereof, a compressor on said vessel, means fordelivering compressed medium from said compressor to said tubularmembers, the perforated portion of each of said tubular membersextending below the center on the side of said tubular member adjacentsaid vessel and terminating above the center on the side of said tubularmember remote form the vessel, and adjustable cables interconnectingsaid tubular members with said vessel for limiting the position of saidtubular members with respect to the hull of the vessel.

9. Apparatus for protecting vessels from torpedo attack, comprising incombination with the hull ofthe vessel, tubular members extending inspaced relation to the port and starboard of the vessel and perforatedin selected portions thereof, a compressor on said vessel, means fordelivering compressed medium from said compressor to said tubularmembers, the perforated portion of each of said tubular membersextending below the center on the side of said tubular member adjacentsaid vessel and terminating above the center on the side of said tubularmember remote from the vessel, and adjustable cables extensible andretractible from the hull of the vessel for limiting the spacialposition of said tubular members both with respect to distance from thehull and depth beneath the hull from which the compressed medium isdischarged.

10. Apparatus for protecting vessels from torpedo attack, comprising incombination with the hull of the vessel, tubular members extending inspaced relation to the port and starboard of the vessel and perforatedin selected portions thereof, a compressor on said vessel, means fordelivering compressed medium from said compressor to said tubularmembers, vanes projecting from said tubular members for preventingrotation of said tubular members with respect to the hull of the vessel,and extensible and re tractible cables disposed between the hull of thevessel and the tubular members for limiting both the distance and depthof the tubular members with respect to the hull of the vessel.

11. Apparatus for protecting vessels from torpedo attack, comprising incombination with the hull of the vessel, tubular members extending inspaced relation to the port and starboard of the vessel and perforatedin selected portions thereof, a compressor on said vessel, means fordelivering compressed medium from said compressor to said tubularmembers, angularly disposed vanes carried by said tubular members andadjustable in position for guiding said tubular members with respect tothe hull, and extensible and retractible cables interconnecting saidtubular members with the hull for limiting the depth and distance atwhich said tubular members operate with respect to the hull.

12. Apparatus for protecting vessels from torpedo attack, comprising incombination with the hull of the vessel, tubular members extending inspaced relation to the port and starboard of the vessel and perforatedin selected portions thereof,

a compressor on said vessel, means for delivering compressed medium fromsaid compressor to said tubular members, adjustable depth determiningfins mounted on opposite sides of said tubular members and extensibleand retractible cables interconnecting said tubular members with saidhull for limiting the depth at which said tubular members operate bothwith respect to the sides of the vessel and the depth below the vessel.

13. Apparatus for protecting vessels from torpedo attack, comprising incombination with the hull of the vessel, tubular members extending inspaced relation to the port and starboard of the vessel and perforatedin selected portions thereof, a compressor on said vessel, means fordelivering compressed medium from said compressor to said tubularmembers, cable guide means located adjacent the bottom of the hull andadjacent the top of the hull, cables extendinggthrough said guide means,means for extending or retracting said cables, connections for the saidcables and said tubular members, and means for idim said tubular membersin spacial relation both as to distance from said hull and depth belowthe hull according to the movement of the ship.

14. Apparatus for protecting vessels from torpedo attack, comprising incombination with the hull of the vessel, tubular members extending inspaced relation to the port and starboard of the vessel and perforatedin selected portions thereof, a compressor on said vessel, means fordelivering compressed medium from said compressor to said tubularmembers, cable guide means located adjacent the bottom of the hull andadjacent the top of the hull, cables extending throughrsaid guide means,winch control means for selectively extending or retracting said cablesthrough said cable guide means, connections between said cables and saidtubular members, and means for guiding said tubular members in spacialrelation both as to distance from said hull and depth below the hullaccording to the movement of the ship.

15. Apparatus for protecting vessels from torpedo attack comprising incombination with the hull of the vessel streamlined tubular membersextending in spaced relation to both port and starboard of the vessel,said tubular members including orifices directed toward the vessel anddirected upwardly with respect to the vessel and directed outwardly withrespect to the vessel, a. compressor on said vessel, means fordelivering compressed medium from said compressor to said

